Official 2014 Penn State Football Thread

[Orlando Penguin]

Lol, remember when "FIRST!!!" was a thing on the internet? How long until that phase passes in the media?

Ummmm, sadly, never. We're in a constant fight with competitors, bloggers, and the general internet to get the scoop. The trick is being first **AND** correct. Fortunately, I'm in a spot where our only breaking news is probably a death...and we never want that.

[Lt. Dish]

There's no doubt that BOB is an NFL-caliber coach, but I would like it if he stayed through one complete recruiting cycle (meaning first recruiting class all the way from freshman through senior years). So in actuality that would be like five years.

It would seem more like he's completing a transition if he stuck around for another 2-3 years.Leaving now seems like he's jumping ship. There's a mercenary sense to it. I don't begrudge him ever leaving, but I'm pissed off he's leaving now. I guess there are differing ideas of what "being in it for the long haul" means. I'll be steamed if he's lied to any kids and their parents about being there, because, right or wrong, many players do choose the program for the coach and not the school.

While the program is certainly in a better place than it was when he came to PSU, it's still in a tenuous situation.

The transfer-without-penalty sanction has expired as of this past August, right? If so, then that's something to hold onto.

(Aside: http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/100 ... ppy-valley" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . I wonder what that kid and his folks are thinking today.)

[count2infinity]

I loved his quotes on the "Paterno People"

[Lt. Dish]

The more I read about Greg Schiano, the less I want him at PSU. Joyner's going to mess this up, I can see it. I just hope Larry Johnson, Sr. stays. If Johnson leaves, then the program takes a huge step backward, imo.

You have to wade through a lot of muck, but commenters on Black Shoe Diaries are posting a number of positive/congratulatory/WeStillAre tweets from players. Nice to see.

http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/12 ... head-coach" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DontToewsMeBro]

The tweets from players are very telling about his position in that locker room. We'll see if he things that made him a good (maybe great, we'll never know) college coach such as recruiting, being a players coach, can translate to the NFL.

[Lt. Dish]

More player reaction:

http://blogs.mcall.com/nittany_lines/20 ... rture.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Allen Robinson's is interesting. And as Deion Barnes notes, it's bizarre that at PSU, of all places, a kid could have 3 different HCs in 4-5 years.

[Dickie Dunn]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... -politics/

Seems like he grew tired of the grind of being a college coach, the sanctions, and the shadow of Joe Paterno.

[count2infinity]

I definitely don't blame his comments now that he's leaving. I'm sure those are things that he's kept pent up inside the past 2.5 years. The STFU already about Paterno traditions thought is likely the biggest one.

[Dickie Dunn]

I definitely don't blame his comments now that he's leaving. I'm sure those are things that he's kept pent up inside the past 2.5 years. The STFU already about Paterno traditions thought is likely the biggest one.

That was my thought as well. The grind of being a college football coach, the recruiting, the booster ass kissing, the constant smiling face and shaking hands, is a tough gig. The sanctions make it even tougher. The constant annoyance of the Paterno-ites just makes your entire life annoying.

[skullman80]

Can't blame the guy for his comments. The small fragment of people in Happy Valley who were still worshipping at the cult of Paterno were the main ones that made him want to get out sooner than he probably would have. He did the best he could of in a pretty awful situation. I don't know why anyone thought he would stick around more than a few years, PSU was nothing more than a stepping stone job to the NFL for him.

[Pitt87]

I definitely don't blame his comments now that he's leaving. I'm sure those are things that he's kept pent up inside the past 2.5 years. The STFU already about Paterno traditions thought is likely the biggest one.

Will make it tough for them to find another long-term coach, however. Like it or not, even the next coach will be in Joe's shadow. He made the job seem very possible, in spite of all the baggage. Turns out that he's not JUST leaving for the top job in the top league. PSU has not moved on...

[Pitt87]

Can't blame the guy for his comments. The small fragment of people in Happy Valley who were still worshipping at the cult of Paterno were the main ones that made him want to get out sooner than he probably would have. He did the best he could of in a pretty awful situation. I don't know why anyone thought he would stick around more than a few years, PSU was nothing more than a stepping stone job to the NFL for him.

Did you make it to a game this year? I would not classify the Paterno-worshipers as a 'small fragment'. After a 1-year hiatus, Paternoville was back and stores were selling tshirts with his likeness or name on them. The most common shirt I noticed at all 3 games I went to was that defiant '409' shirt.

[tifosi77]

PSU has not moved on...

As an alum, that's a pretty depressing revelation.

The most common shirt I noticed at all 3 games I went to was that defiant '409' shirt.

I'm by no means an apologist, but I think I would probably wear a shirt like that, too. The whole idea of vacating wins is utterly stupid.

[tifosi77]

*derp*

[Sam's Drunk Dog]

I don't blame O'Brien for leaving for the NFL since he has stated that being a head coach in the NFL has always been his career goal. I'm disappointed he is leaving after only two years but I also wasn't expecting him to stay for more than 5 years.

Remember that O'Brien agreed to be the head coach before the sanctions were handed down, and while some degree of punishment was expected no one thought that the penalties would be so harsh. O'Brien had the opportunity to leave last season and I believe stayed due to a feeling of loyalty to the players and an increase in pay that was negotiated before beginning of next season.

I am sure that being the new face of PSU was a tough burden to bear for him. With the current university leadership being very unpopular amongst the players and the alumni, BOB had to do way more than others and was getting paid less to do it. (After O'Brien was named the head coach, the entire senior class told him they did not want to see Joyner or Erickson on the field before the games. Joyner must have felt some contrition -- or embarrassment, take your pick -- because he respected their wishes, not setting foot in front of the team again until the 2012 banquet. http://www.thepostgame.com/features/201 ... te-paterno" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

I very much doubt that he left PSU mainly because of the people still loyal to Paterno. I am sure that played a part in his decision, but it is tough for anyone taking over a program after a legend leaves it. Whomever takes over at Texas will have a similar issue as I am sure there are still people there loyal to Mack Brown. Look at Tomlin who still is being compared to Cowher and Noll regarding any decision that is made. If that was the biggest reason, then Houston will be a good place for him as he won't have to accomplish much to be the greatest coach in their history.

[Lt. Dish]

Can't blame the guy for his comments. The small fragment of people in Happy Valley who were still worshipping at the cult of Paterno were the main ones that made him want to get out sooner than he probably would have. He did the best he could of in a pretty awful situation. I don't know why anyone thought he would stick around more than a few years, PSU was nothing more than a stepping stone job to the NFL for him.

I think it was well known from the beginning that BOB wanted to coach in the NFL. But I think many, myself included, thought he would at least stay through the sanctions. Maybe we took him saying he was in it for the long haul and whipped up our own script of what that meant.

[Nvm, Sam's Drunk Dog addressed my thoughts on taking over from a legend.]

Other stuff:

It's a shame Ron Vanderlinden "resigned to pursue other opportunities" so soon prior to BOB leaving.

In related news, Larry Johnson, Sr., has been named interim HC: http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootba ... d_pen.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mike Munchak has no recruiting experience, does he? This situation isn't the right one for on-the-job training.

[columbia]

After O'Brien was named the head coach, the entire senior class told him they did not want to see Joyner or Erickson on the field before the games.

The inmates running the asylum, there.

[Lt. Dish]

After O'Brien was named the head coach, the entire senior class told him they did not want to see Joyner or Erickson on the field before the games.

The inmates running the asylum, there.

I'm not so sure. As surprised and as initially unnerved as I was about it, I came to view it as being more about the players bonding and less about calling the shots. Think about the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team bonding vs. Herb Brooks.

[DontToewsMeBro]

After O'Brien was named the head coach, the entire senior class told him they did not want to see Joyner or Erickson on the field before the games.

The inmates running the asylum, there.

Edit: and a note about Vandy and Fisher "resigning"--they were told to resign or be fired. Kind of a **** move by O'Brien to fire two assistants before calling the moving van.

[Crankshaft]

They may as well just make Jay Paterno the coach and let the beat go on. I didn't realize that he is still having to deal with the Paterno crap from his own people.

[ExPatriatePen]

After O'Brien was named the head coach, the entire senior class told him they did not want to see Joyner or Erickson on the field before the games.

The inmates running the asylum, there.

Depends on whether they demanded it or requested it.

[Sam's Drunk Dog]

After O'Brien was named the head coach, the entire senior class told him they did not want to see Joyner or Erickson on the field before the games.

The inmates running the asylum, there.

What do you expect when the those running the asylum aren't qualified.

[DontToewsMeBro]

Erickson and Joyner are lame duck administrators who are disliked by students, alumni, athletes, coaches, and basically everyone who knows anything about Penn State. It's not really that surprising.

[Sam's Drunk Dog]

They may as well just make Jay Paterno the coach and let the beat go on. I didn't realize that he is still having to deal with the Paterno crap from his own people.

No one that roots for PSU wants Jay Paterno to be the coach or have any involvement with the team.

[skullman80]

Can't blame the guy for his comments. The small fragment of people in Happy Valley who were still worshipping at the cult of Paterno were the main ones that made him want to get out sooner than he probably would have. He did the best he could of in a pretty awful situation. I don't know why anyone thought he would stick around more than a few years, PSU was nothing more than a stepping stone job to the NFL for him.

Did you make it to a game this year? I would not classify the Paterno-worshipers as a 'small fragment'. After a 1-year hiatus, Paternoville was back and stores were selling tshirts with his likeness or name on them. The most common shirt I noticed at all 3 games I went to was that defiant '409' shirt.

I'm not even a PSU Fan, I'm a fan of Pitt. I know what it's like to see coaches leave ... and much quicker than BOB did at PSU haha. As an outsider I think he did as well as he could of there, and when he had the chance to get out to get an NFL job he did. He's no different than other coaches that way, using a college job to get an NFL job. Not sure how he handled all of this with his players, but I guess more of that will come out sooner than later as far as how they feel(other than the few random tweets I read in this thread).